Originally, there is a will of the government to develop theself-medication, a driver of patient empowerment but above all a potential source of savings for Health Insurance.
Since the decree on “officinal medication” of July 2008, pharmacists are therefore authorized to offer certain allopathic, homeopathy and phytotherapy self-service medicines. With two conditions, however: “That it is a space on the one hand dedicated, and on the other hand located near the drug delivery station in order to facilitate the pharmacist’s advice”, specifies Alain Delgutte, pharmacist . Self-service or not, the role of the pharmacist is indeed to recall the rules of good use of the drug, its dosage, its possible contraindications and drug interactions. “In general, their risks are low. But they are never zero: like any drug, officinal medication drugs can cause undesirable effects or interact with other drugs, with certain foods or with drinks (alcohol) “, recalls the ANSM in a document from information on these officinal medication drugs.
The criteria that define self-service medications
Only drugs appearing on a list regularly updated by the ANSM can be offered on a self-service basis. To be eligible for this list, which now includes more than 500 specialties, the drug must meet various criteria:
– Not to be subject to compulsory prescription.
– Can be used with special advice from the dispensary pharmacist without a medical prescription having been established.
– Have a leaflet and packaging suitable for the general public, mentioning the therapeutic indications, the dosage, the duration of treatment and various information allowing their use;
– Not include any prohibition or restriction on advertising to the public because of a possible risk to public health.
